How do You Find a Phone That is Dead [iPhone & Android]

We have all been there- the moment when you reach for your phone only to realize it is missing and worse, it is dead. Losing a dead phone causes immense anxiety, especially when you think about the personal information stored on it and the potential security risks.

But do not worry, because, in this blog, we will show you multiple ways to find a dead phone- whether it is an iPhone or Android. From using built-in apps to online tools, we have got you covered with the best methods to locate a lost phone, even when it is dead. Keep reading to discover how you can track your device with ease!

Can You Track a Dead Phone?

Tracking a phone typically relies on GPS location and internet connectivity, both of which are only available when the phone is powered on. This makes tracking a dead phone more challenging since the device cannot communicate its location to apps like Find My iPhone or Find My Device.

Don’t worry. It is still possible to locate dead phone using a few alternative methods. Some tools can show the last known location of the device before it is powered off, and other trackers may utilize phone numbers or Wi-Fi networks to help trace its whereabouts. These options ensure that losing a dead phone does not mean it is lost forever!

Track a Dead Phone Using Find My App on iPhone

If your iPhone is dead, the Find My app can easily track its last known location. This feature uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular data to pinpoint where your phone was before it powered off.

Besides showing you its location on a map, this app can also send you notifications to alert you when your phone is found or turned back on.

💡 Here’s how to find a dead phone using Find My:

Step 1. First of all, sign in with your Apple ID credentials on the Find My app on another Apple device, such as a Mac, iPad, or another iPhone.

Step 2. In the app, select the Devices tab at the bottom and locate your iPhone from the list of devices.

Step 3. The app will show your phone’s last known location before it died.

Step 4. Here, enable Notify When Found to receive an alert when your iPhone powers on.

This method allows you to find a dead phone as soon as it connects to the internet again, and that is why it’s considered one of the most reliable solutions for iPhone users. All you need to do is to ensure the Find My feature is turned on in your device settings before the phone goes missing.

In addition to locating a lost phone, this app also supports sharing your location with your family members. This feature makes it an easy-to-use family phone location-tracking software.

Locate Dead Phone on Android with Find My Device

If you are using an Android phone, Find My Device is an effective tool to track a phone, even if it is dead. Similar to iPhone’s Find My app, Find My Device shows your phone’s last known location using cellular data, Wi-Fi, and GPS.

Also, it can store the phone’s location history, so that you can use it to find the spot where your phone was last detected online before it went off. This feature helps narrow down the search area even after the phone stops transmitting a signal.

💡 Follow these steps on how to track a dead phone using Find My Device:

Step 1. Go to the Google Find My Device website or download the app from the Play Store.

Step 2. Sign in using your Google account linked to the missing phone.

Step 3. Once signed in, the app or website will display all the Android devices connected to your account.

Step 4. Select the lost phone from the list. Now, the map will show the last known location of your device before it died.

Like the iPhone method, you can enable the notification feature to receive a message when your phone is found or turned on. Moreover, Find My Device offers features like remote lock and erase, which can safeguard your data if the phone remains lost.

Find a Lost Phone That is Dead with an Online Tracker

If you didn’t enable the two built-in features just mentioned in your Settings before you lost your phone, online tracking services such as TrackMobi offer a viable solution.

TrackMobi can detect location information based on cellular network data and GPS tracking, or even find your phone with an IMEI number.

In addition to that, TrackMobi even offers additional features such as location history and SMS alerts. The ease of use is also an obvious advantage of TrackMobi. This online tool is accessible via Internet browsers on both computers and mobile devices, so you can use this tool to find the dead phone anytime, anywhere.

💡 Here is how to use TrackMobi to find a lost phone when it is dead:

Step 1. First, visit the TrackMobi website.

Step 2. And then enter the lost phone’s number in the search box.

Step 3. The system will scan for the phone’s last known location based on carrier data.

Step 4. You will then receive an update on the map showing where the phone was last active.

This tracker is compatible with Android phones, iPhones, as well as computers, and that is why you can use it to track a dead phone cross-platform. For example, when you need to track Android phone using iPhone, TrackMobi can be a reliable choice.

Tips for Keeping Your Phone Traceable

It is always beneficial to prepare for the worst. Follow the tips below to track your dead phone:

✅ To avoid losing track of your phone, keep GPS and location services active. Installing trusted tracking apps also adds an extra layer of security and enables you to monitor the phone’s location even if it goes offline.

✅ Sync your phone to the cloud regularly so that your data remains safe even if the device is lost or dead.

✅ Make sure features like Find My iPhone or Find My Device are enabled in your settings.

Conclusion

Losing a phone that is dead is stressful. The first immediate step here is ‘do not panic’. As it is not impossible to track it down. Either by using tools like Find My iPhone or Find My Device, or relying on some external online trackers, there are a variety of methods to help you find a lost phone that is dead.

By following the strategies and steps in this guide, you can improve your chances of retrieving your lost device. Always remember to keep tracking services enabled and battery levels in check to avoid future frustrations.

FAQs on Locating a Dead Phone

Do you still have doubts regarding locating your lost mobile? Below we have addressed some common concerns that might answer your questions.

Can you track a dead phone?

Yes, you can track a dead phone, but there are some limitations. First, the phone’s GPS and internet connection cannot be used as the device is off, and this makes tracking in real-time extremely difficult.

However, applications like Find My iPhone and Find Device can still show the last seen location of the mobile device, even when it is switched off. And the location might provide some clues to help you find out the device.

How do you find a phone that is dead for free?

To find your phone when it’s dead for free, follow the simple steps we have mentioned below:

1️⃣ Begin by opening Find My iPhone (iPhone) or Find My Device (Android) on another device or browser.

2️⃣ Sign in with your associated account credentials.

3️⃣ The app will show your phone’s last known location before it died.

4️⃣ Now, use the map to guide your search for the device’s last detected position.

Can you see someone’s location if their phone is dead?

If the phone is dead, you cannot track its live location. But, using apps like Find My iPhone or Find My Device, you can see the last location before it loses power. This information helps you determine where it was last used.

However, without an active connection, real-time tracking is not available until the phone is powered back on.